Hotels in Costa Brava

Costa Brava Hotels

If it's sun and sea you're after, the Costa Brava is about as good as it gets. For more than half a century it's been one of the most popular coastlines in Europe, but that's not to say it's all about hectic holidays and hardcore partying. There's plenty of that, to be sure, but there are whole stretches of unspoilt landscape to explore as well. Peaceful fishing villages and craggy coves are as much a part of the Costa Brava experience as the clubs and busy beaches.

Things to see

For so many avid visitors, Costa Brava is all about Lloret de Mar. This is the number one resort area on the shoreline, and sun-worshippers are well served by hotspots like Lloret Beach and Fenals Beach. Water sports, beach volleyball and simply lazing around and relishing that perfect Spanish heat are the order of the day. But even Lloret de Mar has its quieter nooks, like the cove of Sa Caleta. There's far more to Costa Brava, though – in fact, it's impossible to do justice to the sheer wealth of beaches in such a short space. One of the more overlooked aspects of the region is its immense cultural heritage. This, after all, is where numerous writers and artists came to relax and be inspired, and culture vultures who tear themselves away from the sands can have their minds pleasantly played with at the Dali Theatre and Museum, which showcases the work of Catalonia's surreal son.

Hotels in Costa Brava

The sheer wealth of hotels in Costa Brava reflects its status as one of the world's biggest tourist destinations. There is accommodation all along the coastline, and the hotels here cater for all budgets. Even if you're watching your pennies you can easily bag yourself a pad with views of the sea, and facilities such as WiFi in guestrooms and much-needed air conditioning. The larger hotels also have swanky bars for al fresco drinking, as well as outdoor swimming pools which are ideal if the sea gets too salty for you.

Where to stay

If you're here to let your hair down and party, Lloret de Mar is the place to be. The club culture here is legendary, and you can expect to be out and about till the sun comes up. Fortunately, the beaches offer the best place to relax and recover the next afternoon. Meanwhile, Tossa de Mar is another popular location – with its cobblestoned streets, as well as the pleasing sight of bobbing fishing boats, it exudes traditional Catalan culture. Known to some as the Gateway to the Costa Brava, the area of Blanes also has a fine selection of Costa Brava hotels.

How to get to Costa Brava

You'll more than likely arrive in Costa Brava by way of Girona-Costa Brava Airport. Flights come in from across Europe and North Africa, making it a bustling gateway to the beaches and clubs. Shuttle buses roar back forth between the airport and the many hotels in the region, but if you're here to really explore Costa Brava rather than stay put in one resort, you'll want to hire your own car. There's no better way to enjoy those picturesque, emerald-garlanded coastal roads, with the wide expanse of the Mediterranean as far as your eye can see.